12-Month ABSN Programs in Colorado: Accelerated Nursing Online
Aspiring nurses can pursue accelerated nursing degrees at several colleges and universities in Colorado. Some of them can be completed in just 12 months.
If you live in Colorado and are interested in transitioning to a career in healthcare, then nursing may be the ideal field for you. Perhaps you'd like to know more about 12-month accelerated nursing programs and the opportunities they can provide.
Keep reading as we explore accelerated nursing degrees in Colorado and the schools offering these programs. We'll also take a look at some frequently asked questions you may be wondering about.
What Is a 12-Month ABSN Program?
A 12-month ABSN program is the fastest way to become a nurse if you already have a bachelor's degree (or significant college credits) in a non-nursing field. This type of program builds on your existing education to help you earn your second bachelor's degree as efficiently as possible.
Various schools offer fast-track nursing programs online and on-campus, but some are designed for quicker completion than others. Generally speaking, most accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs take one to two years to complete.
<h2 id="section---AreThereAnyOnlineABSNProgramsInColorado">Are There Any Online ABSN Programs in Colorado?</h2><p>Several schools throughout Colorado offer ABSN programs; some of these programs offer online or hybrid coursework options. That said, even online programs typically require in-person labs and clinical experiences.
</p><p>Two of the Colorado schools offering ABSN degrees provide 1-year accelerated nursing programs. The other programs available range from 14 to 21 months.
</p><h2 id="section---TopAcceleratedBSNProgramsInColorado">Top Accelerated BSN Programs in Colorado</h2><p>If you're ready to start your path to becoming a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Requirements_to_Be_a_Certified_Registered_Nurse.html">certified registered nurse</a>, keep reading. Below, we'll look at the top colleges and universities in Colorado offering accelerated nursing degree programs.
</p><h3 id="section---1.UniversityOfColoradoAnschutzMedicalCampus">1. University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus</h3><p>The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is a health sciences school belonging to the University of Colorado System. Its in-person ABSN program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
</p><p>This full-time program features a high-tech simulation lab where students practice nursing skills. Students complete clinical experiences in the Denver area and complete the majority of their nursing courses at the school's Legacy campus in Lone Tree.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $39,402 total
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> one year
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students have access to various nursing scholarships through this school; external funding sources are also accepted.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> Higher Learning Commission (HLC), Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---2.RegisUniversity">2. Regis University</h3><p>Regis University is a private school located in Denver. It offers a full-time accelerated BSN program that is typically completed in one year.
</p><p>Students gain professional nursing skills through in-person coursework and clinical experience. Their required courses include three graduate-level classes that students can use to get a jumpstart on earning a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN).
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $599 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> one year
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, scholarships, employer discounts, loans, and other types of financial aid are all available.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---3.ColoradoStateUniversityPueblo">3. Colorado State University-Pueblo</h3><p>Colorado State University-Pueblo is a public school in the Colorado State University System. Students can complete a hybrid ABSN program when attending this school.
</p><p>The 14-month program combines both online and in-person classes with hands-on clinical experiences. The intensive program is available to students with a bachelor's degree in any field.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $9,720 per year (average)
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 14 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The school offers nursing scholarships and grants and accepts many forms of outside aid, including federal and state aid and external scholarships.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
</li></ul><h3 id="section---4.UniversityOfColoradoColoradoSprings">4. University of Colorado Colorado Springs</h3><p>The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is another school in the University of Colorado System. Learners at this public school can earn a BSN degree in as little as 16 months.
</p><p>The program is available to students with a bachelor's degree or at least 57 college credits to transfer. All coursework and clinical experiences are completed in person, and only students who live in Colorado are eligible to apply.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $35,322.80 total
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students can use state and federal aid, external nursing scholarships, grants, and other types of aid to pay for their degrees.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---5.ConcordiaUniversitySt.Paul">5. Concordia University St. Paul</h3><p>Concordia University St. Paul is a private school headquartered in Minnesota with various additional locations, including one in Denver. Students attending this school can complete a hybrid ABSN program through the Denver campus.
</p><p>This degree is designed for completion in 16 months and blends online coursework with in-person labs and clinicals. This highly flexible program has new classes beginning every eight weeks, so you can begin and continue your studies at your convenience.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $25,600 per year (average)
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 16 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Grants, loans, and scholarships can help students cover costs, and the school's payment plans can make financial burdens more manageable.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---6.UniversityOfNorthernColorado">6. University of Northern Colorado</h3><p>The University of Northern Colorado is a public school headquartered in Greeley. Its hybrid ABSN program is completed at both the Greeley and Loveland campuses and surrounding healthcare facilities.
</p><p>Students can complete some coursework online and typically graduate within 20 months. Students are prepared for challenging careers in nursing practice as well as advanced studies at the master's and doctoral levels.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $476 per credit hour
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 20 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> The school offers scholarships to many of its students, and outside funding sources through the FAFSA and various organizations are accepted as well.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h3 id="section---7.DenverCollegeOfNursing">7. Denver College of Nursing</h3><p>Denver College of Nursing is a private, for-profit nursing school located in Denver. It offers a variety of nursing degrees, including an ABSN.
</p><p>Students usually complete this program within 21 months. They gain hands-on experience in nursing through clinicals and simulations, and students with both non-nursing bachelor's degrees and associate degrees are welcome to apply.
</p><ul><li><b>Estimated tuition cost:</b> $18,427 per year (average)
</li><li><b>Program length:</b> 21 months
</li><li><b>Financial aid:</b> Students commonly use scholarships and federal grants and loans to pay for their nursing degrees at this school.
</li><li><b>Accreditation:</b> HLC, CCNE
</li></ul><h2 id="section---HowWeRankSchools">How We Rank Schools</h2><p>We endeavor to select only top schools when creating our rank lists. We used the following criteria when choosing the schools and BSN degrees featured above.
</p><ul><li><b>Accreditation:</b> All schools listed are regionally accredited institutions, and the nursing programs maintain accreditation through the CCNE.
</li><li><b>Program reputation:</b> All of the schools of nursing are known for providing high-quality academic programs to help students succeed in their nursing careers.
</li><li><b>Program cost:</b> Each of the schools provides affordable tuition rates and/or financial aid options to help aspiring healthcare professionals pay for their degrees.
</li></ul><h2 id="section---FAQsAboutAcceleratedOnlineABSNPrograms">FAQs About Accelerated Online ABSN Programs</h2><p>If you're still wondering about becoming a nursing student in an accelerated program, you're not alone. Read on as we provide answers to some commonly asked questions.
</p><h3 id="section---HowMuchDoesAnOnlineABSNProgramCostInColorado">How Much Does an Online ABSN Program Cost in Colorado?</h3><p>ABSN program costs can vary widely depending on the school you attend. Among the colleges featured above, total program tuition may range from around $20,000 to nearly $40,000. Students attending <a href="https://learn.org/articles/online_colleges_accept_fafsa_colorado.html">cheap online colleges that accept FAFSA</a> may be able to earn their degree more affordably.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/cheapest_absn_programs.html">Cheapest ABSN Programs</a>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheRequirementsForAcceleratedBSNPrograms">What Are The Requirements For Accelerated BSN Programs?</h3><p>Most ABSN programs are competitive and selective. Students pursuing enrollment in an ABSN program should check their school's specific requirements.
</p><p>Common requirements include meeting minimum GPA standards, already having a bachelor's degree, and completing any necessary prerequisite courses to ensure students meet all <a href="https://learn.org/articles/what_education_do_i_need_to_become_nurse.html">educational requirements for nurses</a>.
</p><h3 id="section---CanIBecomeAnRNIn12Months">Can I Become an RN in 12 Months?</h3><p>If you already have a non-nursing bachelor's degree in any field and are willing to commit to intensive study and clinical schedules, then it's possible to complete some ABSN programs within 12 months. After earning your degree, you can then sit for the NCLEX-RN exam to earn licensure and begin looking for jobs as a nurse.
</p><p>Learn More: <a href="https://learn.org/articles/can_i_get_bsn_without_rn.html">Can You Get A BSN Without An RN?</a>
</p><h2 id="section---FindAnOnlineNursingDegree">Find an Online Nursing Degree</h2><p>If you're ready to begin the process of becoming a nurse, explore the schools here on Learn.org. Contact any of the colleges directly to learn more about admission requirements, application deadlines, and more.</p>